UTAH · MEDICARE SAVINGS GUIDE
Medicare Savings Program Utah Guide: Help Paying Medicare Costs and Extra Help
Yes, Utah has programs that can help pay Medicare costs. Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB and QI) can pay your Part B premium, and QMB can also cover deductibles and copays. If you qualify for one, you also qualify automatically for Extra Help with drug costs. You can apply through Utah’s Department of Workforce Services or Social Security.
Sources: Utah Medicaid – Medicare Cost-Sharing Programs · Medicare.gov – Help with drug costs · Utah Medicaid – Apply
If you’re choosing between prescriptions and groceries, you’re not alone. And you may be leaving help on the table. This guide to the Medicare Savings Program Utah offers walks you through what the programs pay, who may qualify, and how to apply, in plain language.
New to Medicare? Start with turning 65 in Utah: your Medicare roadmap.
Not sure where to start?
There’s no cost to you for my help.
WHY IT ADDS UP
When Medicare costs feel out of reach
The costs that add up
Medicare is a big help, but it isn’t everything. Many people still pay a monthly Part B premium. Then come deductibles, copays and coinsurance when you see a doctor or go to the hospital. On top of that are your prescriptions. Each cost may seem small alone. Together, they can squeeze a fixed income hard.
Some people add a Medicare Supplement to help with those gaps. Here’s how Medicare Supplement works in Utah. But if your budget is tight, there may be help from the state first.
Why many people never apply
Lots of people who could qualify never apply. Here’s why:
- They assume their income or savings are too high.
- The paperwork feels overwhelming.
- They feel embarrassed to ask.
Here’s the truth: these programs exist for people just like you. You paid into the system for years. Asking for help is smart, not shameful.
YOUR OPTIONS
Medicare Savings Program Utah options: QMB, SLMB and QI
Utah has three Medicare Savings Programs. The state calls them Medicare cost-sharing programs. Each one has its own rules. (Utah Medicaid)
QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary)
QMB gives the most help. It pays your Medicare Part B premium, your deductibles, and your Part A and Part B copayments. It can also pay Part A premiums. Coverage begins the first of the month after you’re found eligible.
SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary)
SLMB pays your Part B premium only. It’s for people whose income is a bit above the QMB limit.
QI (Qualifying Individual)
QI also pays your Part B premium. You can’t be receiving Medicaid to get QI. QI has a set amount of federal money each year. Once it’s used up, no new applicants are approved that year. That’s one good reason not to wait.
Who may qualify
Medicare Savings Program Utah income limits are tied to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), according to Utah DHHS:
- QMB: income up to 100% of FPL
- SLMB: income above 100% and up to 120% of FPL
- QI: income above 120% and up to 135% of FPL
Asset limits also apply. The limits change every year, so check the current figures in Utah’s Medical Programs guide. Not sure if you’re over the limit? Apply anyway. The Department of Workforce Services (DWS) makes the decision, not me.
DRUG COSTS
Extra Help with prescription drug costs
What Extra Help does
Extra Help is a Medicare program for people with limited income and resources. It helps pay Medicare drug coverage (Part D) premiums, deductibles, coinsurance and other costs. You apply through Social Security. (Medicare.gov)
Here’s another plus: you won’t have to pay a Part D late enrollment penalty while you get Extra Help. Curious how that penalty works? See how Medicare late penalties work.
An MSP approval brings Extra Help automatically
If you’re approved for QMB, SLMB or QI, you automatically qualify for Extra Help. It works the other way, too. When you apply for Extra Help, Social Security sends your information to Utah to start an MSP application, unless you tell them not to.
Applying for Extra Help doesn’t make you pick a drug plan. But if you qualify and don’t already have one, Medicare will enroll you in a drug plan. You can choose a different one if you want.
A monthly chance to change drug coverage
Most people can only change drug coverage at certain times of the year. If you have Medicaid or get Extra Help, you can make a change once a calendar month. You can switch drug plans. Or you can leave a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage and go back to Original Medicare with a stand-alone drug plan. The change starts the first day of the next month. This doesn’t apply if a plan has told you you’re an “at-risk beneficiary.” (Medicare.gov)
Want the basics first? Read how Medicare Advantage works.
WHY ACT NOW
Why it matters to act now
Open Enrollment is a natural time to review
Medicare Open Enrollment runs Oct 15 to Dec 7. Changes start Jan 1. It’s a good time to look at your costs and ask whether a Medicare Savings Program Utah approval could lower them. See all the Medicare enrollment dates and deadlines.
Got a letter saying your plan is going away? Here’s what to do if your Medicare Advantage plan is ending.
QI funding is limited each year
Because QI money can run out, applying sooner gives you a better chance.
Approval can mean more money in your pocket
Once your Medicare Savings Program Utah application is approved, Utah starts paying your Part B premium and your Social Security check goes up. Utah says this takes about three months. You’ll be paid back by Social Security for the eligible months when the premium was still taken out of your check.
STEP BY STEP
How to apply for a Medicare Savings Program in Utah, step by step
- Gather your documents. See the list below.
- Apply with DWS. Apply online through myCase at jobs.utah.gov, by mail, by fax, or in person at a DWS office. (Utah Medicaid – Apply)
- Or apply for Extra Help with Social Security. Apply online or call 1-800-772-1213. This can also start your Utah MSP application.
- Send in anything DWS asks for. Watch your mail and answer quickly.
- Review your drug coverage once you’re approved. Make sure your plan still fits your medicines.
Questions about applying? Call DWS at 1-866-435-7414 (Salt Lake County: 801-526-0950). Help is available in Spanish. ¿Prefiere español? Llame a DWS al 1-866-435-7414.
Approved, or waiting to hear?
There’s no cost to you for my help.
GET READY
What to have ready
Having these on hand makes any Medicare Savings Program Utah application easier:
- Your Medicare card
- Income information (Social Security, pensions, Veterans’ or Railroad Retirement benefits, annuities)
- Bank statements and tax returns
- IRA or 401(k) balances
- Any letters from DWS or Social Security
DWS will tell you if it needs anything else. (SSA – Extra Help)
GET HELP
When to get help
Consider getting help if:
- You’re not sure whether you qualify.
- You got a denial or a request for more information.
- You were just approved and want to review your drug coverage.
- You’re new to Medicare.
- You want a second set of eyes on your Medicare Savings Program Utah paperwork.
DWS and Social Security take the applications and decide who qualifies. I don’t make those decisions, and I don’t work for the state or Social Security.
How a review with me works. I’m Fores Boo, a licensed independent Medicare agent (NPN 17255694) with Boo Insurance Services in Draper. I help people all over Utah by phone or video. I can explain how an approval affects your Medicare choices, such as your drug plan or Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement. There’s no cost to you for my help, and there’s no obligation.
Neutral help is also available. Visit Medicare.gov, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048), or reach Utah’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program, the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIP), at 1-800-541-7735 (Utah DHHS Aging & Adult Services).
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
It’s a state program that helps people with limited income and assets pay Medicare costs. Utah has three: QMB, SLMB and QI. Utah calls them Medicare cost-sharing programs. All three can pay your Part B premium. QMB can also pay deductibles, copays and, in some cases, your Part A premium.
QMB pays Part B premiums, deductibles, and Part A and Part B copays, and can pay Part A premiums. SLMB pays only the Part B premium. QI also pays the Part B premium, but you can’t be on Medicaid, and its funding is limited each year. Income limits rise from QMB to SLMB to QI.
Utah uses the Federal Poverty Level: up to 100% for QMB, up to 120% for SLMB, and up to 135% for QI. Asset limits also apply. The dollar limits change every year, so check Utah’s current Medical Programs guide. If you’re unsure, apply anyway. DWS makes the final decision.
Extra Help is a Medicare program that lowers Part D drug costs, like premiums, deductibles and copays. Medicare Savings Programs help with Part A and Part B costs instead. You apply for Extra Help through Social Security. If you’re approved for an MSP, you get Extra Help automatically.
Apply for an MSP through the Department of Workforce Services online at myCase, by mail, by fax, or in person. Questions? Call 1-866-435-7414. You can also apply for Extra Help with Social Security, which sends your information to Utah to start an MSP application unless you opt out.
Usually, yes. Once you’re approved, the state starts paying your Part B premium, so it’s no longer taken out of your check. Utah says this takes about three months. Social Security pays you back for eligible months when the premium was still deducted from your check.
Under federal rules, help paying Medicare premiums, deductibles and coinsurance through an MSP isn’t subject to estate recovery. Utah’s estate recovery rules apply to Medicaid benefits, though. If you also get full Medicaid, ask DWS or Utah Medicaid how estate recovery may apply to you.
Yes. If you have Medicaid or Extra Help, you can change your drug coverage once a calendar month. The change starts the first day of the next month. This doesn’t apply if a plan has identified you as an “at-risk beneficiary” under a drug management program.
Applying doesn’t make you choose a plan. But if you qualify and don’t already have Medicare drug coverage, Medicare will enroll you in a drug plan so you get your savings. You’ll get a notice about it, and you can pick a different drug plan if you want.
DWS (1-866-435-7414) and Social Security (1-800-772-1213) take applications. Utah’s SHIP, the Senior Health Insurance Information Program, offers neutral counseling at 1-800-541-7735. I can also explain how approval affects your Medicare choices by phone or video. There’s no cost to you for my help.
NEXT STEP
Let's find the help you've earned
You don’t have to figure out the Medicare Savings Program Utah process alone. Grab your Medicare card and your medication list, and let’s talk it through. Applications go to DWS or Social Security; I’ll help you understand what an approval means for your Medicare.
There’s no cost to you for my help.
Sources
- Utah Medicaid, Medicare Cost-Sharing Programs: https://medicaid.utah.gov/medicare-cost-sharing-programs/
- Utah DHHS, Medical Programs guide: https://medicaid-documents.dhhs.utah.gov/Documents/pdfs/medicalprograms.pdf
- Utah Medicaid, Apply for Medicaid: https://medicaid.utah.gov/apply-medicaid/
- Utah Medicaid, Estate Recovery: https://medicaid.utah.gov/estate-recovery/
- CMS, Medicare Savings Program model application: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/mspmodelapplication.pdf
- Medicare.gov, Help with drug costs (Extra Help): https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/help/drug-costs
- Medicare.gov, Special Enrollment Periods: https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/get-more-coverage/joining-a-plan/special-enrollment-periods
- Social Security, Apply for Extra Help: https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/part-d-extra-help
- Utah DHHS Aging & Adult Services, SHIP: https://daas.utah.gov/seniors/
Last updated: October 2026
Disclaimer: We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
Not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. National Producer Number: 17255694
About the author: Fores Boo is a licensed independent Medicare agent, NPN 17255694, with Boo Insurance Services, 61 W 13490 S Ste 201, Draper, UT 84020 · 801-255-5341. Reviews are by phone or video.